The Bombay High Court has directed authorities to widely circulate a Supreme Court ruling affirming that unmarried women are entitled to seek termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The Court stressed that proper dissemination of this judgment is necessary so that eligible women can access medical services without being compelled to approach courts for permission.
The directive came while the High Court was hearing a matter concerning access to abortion services. It noted that despite the Supreme Court’s clear position, many women continue to face uncertainty about their legal rights. By ensuring that hospitals and relevant authorities are informed, the Court sought to prevent unnecessary legal hurdles and delays in time-sensitive medical situations.
The Supreme Court had earlier clarified that the law does not discriminate based on marital status and that unmarried women have the same reproductive rights as married women. Denying them access to safe and legal abortion would be inconsistent with constitutional principles of equality and personal liberty.
Emphasizing the importance of awareness, the Bombay High Court stated that the ruling must reach medical institutions and officials responsible for implementing the law. This step, it observed, would help safeguard reproductive autonomy and ensure that women receive timely healthcare without unnecessary litigation.
